Foreign Minister: Bahrain a global model for peace and intercultural dialogue
Manama, June 9 (BNA): On the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, paid tribute Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to fostering mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cultural understanding. He emphasised that these values, central to Bahrain’s foreign policy and national identity, are vital to advancing global peace, human rights, and justice.
Dr. Al Zayani commended the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their initiatives that have positioned Bahrain as a global model for promoting peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue.
He noted Bahrain’s active role as a constructive partner within the United Nations system, particularly in advancing the goals of the Alliance of Civilizations. Through balanced diplomacy, Bahrain continues to champion dialogue, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and combat extremism and hate. Its humanitarian and development initiatives, he added, are vital contributions to global stability, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
The minister also highlighted several initiatives launched under HM the King’s leadership, including the Bahrain Declaration on religious freedom and the work of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance. The Center provides educational and cultural programmes aimed at empowering young people to become ambassadors of peace.
He further emphasised His Majesty’s global call for an international convention to criminalise hate speech based on religion or race, as well as Bahrain’s sponsorship of major international conferences that promote dialogue among civilizations and recognize champions of tolerance, coexistence, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed pride in the Kingdom’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, winning 99.5% of the General Assembly vote. He also pointed to Bahrain’s successful proposal to designate an International Day for Living Together in Peace, and the endorsement by the recent Arab Summit, hosted in Bahrain, of key Bahraini initiatives, including calls for an international peace conference in the Middle East and humanitarian support for conflict-affected populations.
He concluded by affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to serving as a regional and global modal for dialogue and understanding. He said Bahrain will continue to play a central role in promoting peaceful coexistence in line with its National Human Rights Plan (2022–2026) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as part of a broader vision to build a more just, secure, and compassionate world.
